"I can't rank on Google Maps because I work out of my home." We hear this constantly from plumbers, HVAC techs, mobile auto services, and other service area businesses. Here's the truth: Google has a specific Business Profile type just for you, and you absolutely can rank.
Service Area Business vs. Storefront
Google offers two Business Profile types:
- Storefront: Customers visit your location (retail, restaurants, offices)
- Service Area Business: You travel to customers (plumbers, contractors, mobile services)
The Service Area Business Advantage
When you set your profile as a service area business:
- Your address is hidden from the public (customers only see your service area)
- You can set up to 20 service areas by city or zip code
- You still appear in local search results within your service areas
How to Optimize a Service Area Business Profile
1. Be Strategic About Service Areas
Don't just select everywhere within a 50-mile radius. Google favors specificity. Choose the cities and zip codes where you actually want to serve customers and can realistically respond quickly.
2. Emphasize Your Service Area in Content
Your business description, Google Posts, and Q&A should mention the areas you serve:
"Serving homeowners throughout Houston, Spring, The Woodlands, and Katy with 24/7 emergency plumbing services."
3. Use Location-Specific Photos
Even if you don't have a storefront, you can still upload photos:
- Your branded vehicle at job sites
- Completed projects (with permission)
- Team members in uniform
- Before/after photos of your work
4. Set Clear Service Hours
Service area businesses often have extended or unusual hours. Be accurate—if you offer 24/7 emergency service, list it. If you only work weekdays, be honest.
The Myth That Holds You Back
Some service area businesses think they need a fake address or P.O. Box to rank. This will get you suspended. Google verifies addresses rigorously. Use your real address during verification, then check the "I serve customers at their address" option to hide it from public view.
Real Results
One of our clients, a mobile HVAC company, serves 5 Texas cities with no physical office. By optimizing as a service area business, they now rank #1 in 3 of those 5 cities—beating out competitors with physical storefronts.
Your business model doesn't limit your ranking potential. Your optimization strategy does.
